The family of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg endorsed Rep. Frank Pallone today in the special election to fill the remainder of Lautenberg’s term. In what could be read as a veiled reference to Democratic front-runner Cory Booker, the statement said Pallone shared Lautenberg’s trait of being “a workhorse, not a showhorse” and knows that “gimmicks and celebrity status won’t get you very far in the real battles.”

It was no secret Pallone wanted to run for Lautenberg’s seat next year, but he also gave the five-term senator time to announce his retirement plans, which Lautenberg did in April. Booker, the mayor of Newark, instead said he was planning a Senate campaign shortly after he announced he would not take on Governor Christie in November.

Though it’s not clear any of them are New Jersey voters, Lautenberg’s widow, his son and three daughters released a joint statement supporting Pallone to carry on the late senator’s legacy. It appears below.

“Frank Lautenberg followed three fundamental principles as New Jersey’s U.S. Senator: stay true to his progressive values, put New Jersey first, and be a workhorse, not a showhorse. After he announced his retirement, he spoke often about his desire that his replacement in the Senate respect those core principles and continue his work.

“Deciding which candidate to endorse was not an easy decision. Most of the candidates in the Democratic field have proven themselves as hardworking, progressive leaders who care deeply about New Jersey. But only one of them stands out as ready to continue Frank Lautenberg’s progressive leadership in the U.S. Senate. That candidate is Congressman Frank Pallone.

“We are saying: Stick with Frank.

“Frank Pallone, like Frank Lautenberg, has always looked out for working families in New Jersey and made them his top priority – in fighting for economic justice, healthcare reform, environmental protection, education and so many other issues. Frank Pallone, like our Frank, will put in the hours and hard work necessary to fight for New Jersey in the Senate. And Frank Pallone knows that gimmicks and celebrity status won’t get you very far in the real battles that Democrats face in the future.

“Frank Pallone worked with Frank Lautenberg for many years. He understands what it takes to take on and defeat Republicans and the special interests that attack the well being of working families. While it may not always attract glamorous headlines, Frank knows that to be effective you must put New Jersey and your principles first, not your own glory.

“When New Jersey Democrats examine the Senate candidates closely, they may be surprised to find out that not all of them share core Democratic values or loyalty to the party. And one candidate stands out as the best hope of continuing the progressive legacy of Senator Frank Lautenberg – Congressman Frank Pallone.”

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The Bloggers

Melissa Hayes, who has worked at The Record since 2010, covers Gov. Chris Christie and politics for the State House Bureau. Follow her on Twitter at @Record_Melissa. View all of her posts

Herb Jackson is the Washington correspondent for The Record, covering North Jersey issues on the Potomac, including the activities of the congressional delegation and federal policies that affect the region. Follow him on Twitter @Record_DC.View all of his posts.

John Reitmeyer, a reporter in the State House Bureau since 2007, focuses on taxes, state budgets, campaign finance and government ethics. Follow him on Twitter @JohnReitmeyer. View all of his posts

Charles Stile is the political columnist for The Record. He is a former State House Bureau chief at The Record and has covered politics and government in New Jersey for more than two decades. Follow him on Twitter @PoliticalStile. View all of his posts